Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

NHL Players To Participate in 2022 Winter Games

September 7, 2021, 12:01 PM ET [13 Comments]
Sam Woo
New Jersey Devils Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The NHL and NHLPA finally have an agreement for their players to participate in Bejing 2022 Winter Games this upcoming February. Of course, it comes with an out clause in case COVID-19 cases worsen or if the NHL chooses to use that time to make up games if postponement becomes a league wide issue.

I have mixed feelings about the players going overseas, especially during a pandemic. Of course, I want the players to live out their dreams for Olympic gold and would love to see international hockey competition. However, the NHL and NHLPA has much more to lose than to gain from participating in 2022. Is it worth the risk?

I am all about promoting hockey internationally to a worldwide audience especially in a non-traditional market like China. The NBA’s success in China and globally cannot be ignored. However, in an article written by Emily Kaplan of ESPN.com, the NHL lost leverage since their February 2020 meeting with IIHF where they wanted to expand their media and advertising rights with NHL logos at the games plus Olympic highlights on NHL platforms. They were mostly denied and the IIHF and IOC knew the players wanted to be part of the games.

What are your thoughts? Is it worth it for the NHL to pause their regular season and risk injury or getting the virus by sending their players to Bejing?





******

Sam Woo is co-host and executive producer of the Let's Go Devils Podcast which can be heard live every Sunday at 9pm ET and Wednesday at 8:30pm ET.

You can follow Sam on Twitter: @PrimetimeSamWoo
Join the Discussion: » 13 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Sam Woo
» RAISING HELL: Will The Devils Over Take The Hurricanes In Standings?
» PODCAST: Devils Clinch, Now Phase Two
» RAISING HELL: Timo Scores Twice, Devils Get Point In Shootout Loss To Tampa
» RAISING HELL: Will The Devils Spring Forward This Week?
» RAISING HELL: Devils Squeak by Caps With Meier’s Shootout Game Winner